Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins attempted to halt what he characterizes as a high-commission phone and video visitation contract between a private contract and the county, which would lead to “exorbitant” fees for jailed inmates’ families. Jenkins appealed to voters for help.

But after a vote at the Dallas Commissioners Court on Nov. 11, Jenkins concluded he had managed with his advocacy and voter support only to reduce the impact of the jail-phone contract but not prevent it completely.